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08/29/2007

The "ex-gay"-hyping folks at Exodus are now pimping a so-called "Truth & Tolerance" DVD on Youtube. Here's the promo:

Oh, so incredibly silly. But the funniest part? How Scott Davis says "I met a bunch of people who used to identify themselves as gay or lesbian, and I found surprising answers to my questions," as if he just happened to stumble across these interviewees while going about his life, and as if there answers come from someplace other than the standard "ex-gay" playbook. The truth of the matter, however, is that those featured are all Exodus movers and shakers, such as Mike Ensley and Michelle Robinson, both of whom have made several public appearances for the group and continue to work closely with the organization (Mike is actually employed by Exodus and Michelle works at the "ex-gay" supporting H2O church). You might remember Michelle, Mike, and Scott from the 2005 "Day of Truth" video:

And all of the other "ex-gays" featured in the first promo also look familiar, even if we can't place their names. So while it's of course fine and dandy that they use the same few people to offer testimony time and time again, it would seem just a little deceptive to make these folks (some of whom are on payroll) out to be regular Joes and Janes who simply answered a casting call and are speaking off the cuff. Such a recruitment method and free-flowing train of thought may be possible within the gay movement, what with its millions of members and a logic that's based in accepting reality. But with the "ex-gay" movement, cherry-picked participants preaching their choir's version of "truth and tolerance" is simply the only way they can go.